Title (Max 100 Characters)

Washington DC-- It was a rainy night on Tuesday in Washington but that did not put a damper on The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) 4th Annual Avoice event. WUSA 9's Andrea Roane served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and individuals like Rep. Rangel hosted alongside her to make it a night to remember.

The CBCF recognized musician Stevie Wonder (2013 Distinguished Individual Award), Time Warner Inc., (2013 Distinguished Corporation Award) and former Rep. Carrie P. Meek (2013 Elder Statesperson Award) of Florida at the historic renovated Howard Theatre. The evening began with a cocktail lounge and was followed by a dinner featuring an award ceremony and star studded performances honoring Artist/Activist Stevie Wonder. Performance included the legendary Dionne Warwick; hip hop artist Doug E. Fresh; French musician and harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet; singer Maysa Leak and gospel Stellar Award winner Maurette Clark Brown. Stevie Wonder at several points joined into sing with his own dedication. After activists like Stevie Wonder encouraged the CBCF to create a source for capturing the contributions and participation of African Americans in the U.S. Congress, Avoice was created in 2006 to document the rich history of political and legislative contributions of African Americans for future generations. The annual Avoice Heritage Celebration serves as a fundraiser for the Avoice project. "African-American members of Congress have helped shape this nation through legislation that has enhanced the American experience for everyone," said A. Shuanise Washington president and chief executive officer for CBCF. "Our awardees are being honored because they embody the spirit and mission of Avoice. Each has worked to preserve the legislative accomplishments of African Americans, and are committed to cultivating minority civic engagement and public discourse on African-American history." The archive also features interviews with six of the original 13 Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) founders including Representatives John Conyers of Michigan, Charles Rangel of New York, William Clay of Missouri, Louis Stokes of Ohio, Ron Dellums of California and Delegate Walter Fauntroy of Washington, D.C. To find out more, please visit: www.cbcfinc.org .